The department store in Harbin was bustling, as it was the weekend—busier than usual.
Lu Weidong wasn’t in his uniform today. He wore a dark gray wool jacket over a white long-sleeve shirt, paired with crisply pressed dark trousers.
The outfit was stylish and neat for the time.
Coupled with his nearly 1.9-meter height and sharp, cold demeanor, he drew attention wherever he walked, like a man under a spotlight.
They stopped in front of the stationery counter, which displayed paints, brushes, and colored pencils.
Ye Wenxi examined them carefully.
The selection wasn’t especially rich, but at least there were colored pencils—12, 24, and 36-color sets.
For her, this was a small delight, enough to meet her basic needs.
Pointing at the 24-color set, she asked, “Comrade, how much is this? Do I need industrial coupons?”
The middle-aged saleswoman glanced at her, tone neutral:
“Twenty-four colors, twelve yuan eighty, plus two industrial coupons.”
Ye Wenxi did a quick calculation.
That was nearly half a month’s wage for an ordinary worker—and she’d need to spend two valuable industrial coupons on top of that.
She pursed her lips, feeling it was extravagant.
Just as she was about to say, “I’ll look around some more,” or turn to the cheaper watercolor sets, Lu Weidong had already spoken up:
“Comrade, we’ll take the 36-color set.”
The saleswoman paused, looking at him, then back at Ye Wenxi, before breaking into a warm smile:
“Comrade, you have excellent taste! This 36-color set is high-grade, imported from Shanghai. Perfect for any kind of drawing!”
She pulled a flat tin box from under the counter, the bright packaging labeled “China 36-Color Colored Pencils”.
“But the price is different.”
“Twenty-five yuan forty, plus three industrial coupons.”
Those nearby, also browsing stationery, let out quiet gasps.
36 colors, three coupons! Only the wealthiest families could afford such a purchase for leisurely drawing.
Ye Wenxi was a little flustered: “Lu Weidong, this is too…”
“Comrade, we’ll take this one,” he said.
Lu Weidong quickly counted the money and handed over a few industrial coupons from his officer certificate wallet, as naturally as passing ordinary papers.
The saleswoman saw his officer ID and demeanor, smiling even wider:
“Comrade, you’re an officer, right? Special supply price—just one coupon required.”
He turned to Ye Wenxi: “Don’t worry about the coupons. Whatever you need, we’ll get it all today.”
Ye Wenxi thought about it and realized he was right.
For a family like the Lu’s, these tickets and coupons were likely more than they could ever spend.
Her father and mother were high-ranking officers, with far more industrial coupons, fabric coupons, and other resources than ordinary workers.
Additionally, their workplace had internal supplies and special allocations, often providing goods directly as benefits.
Understanding this, Ye Wenxi relaxed. If she wanted to establish herself, she needed the right tools.
She carefully selected a set of drawing rulers, compasses, pencils of varying hardness, a special eraser, and a paper cutter.
Practical items, not the cheapest, but fully functional.
At the counter, Lu Weidong paid efficiently while Ye Wenxi focused on her selections, buying uncommon but useful supplies.
A few idle sales staff gathered nearby, quietly commenting:
“Wow, these are all high-grade supplies.”
“Jealous?”
“Shh! The key is that male comrade. Look at him, and he’s so generous.”
Lu Weidong frowned slightly, annoyed by the wandering eyes and whispers.
Ye Wenxi noticed his “keep your distance” expression, yet the attention seemed to follow him relentlessly. She couldn’t help but smile faintly.
“Do you always dress like this when you go out?” she whispered.
Lu Weidong glanced at her, brow furrowed, sighing silently. His reaction was an unspoken confirmation.
No wonder he preferred the simplicity and quiet of the barracks—fewer prying eyes and idle chatter.
“You’re way too popular among the female comrades,” Ye Wenxi teased, grinning at the scene.
Lu Weidong saw her amusement and his face grew colder.
Female comrades usually disliked other women staring at their man. Why did she seem indifferent, observing from the sidelines as if commenting on a show?
He felt an inexplicable twinge of irritation.
They then moved to the women’s clothing section.
Ye Wenxi picked some personal undergarments, two plain blouses, and a pair of trousers, deciding she had enough.
“That’s fine, enough for now,” she said, gathering her choices, calculating that she had already spent a fair sum—she’d cover the rest with her future manuscript earnings.
As she turned to leave, Lu Weidong grabbed her arm.
“Not buying anymore?” he asked.
“That’s enough. We can get the rest later,” she tried to pull her arm free.
But he didn’t let go. His gaze shifted past her to a thick dark-gray wool coat hanging behind the counter.
“Comrade, get that coat down for her to try.”
The coat was clearly special—sturdy fabric, simple and elegant design, obviously expensive.
Ye Wenxi quickly pulled his arm: “Lu Weidong, really, no need…”
“I need it,” he said simply. “It’s cold.”
The friendly round-faced saleswoman already smiled, retrieving the coat.
“Comrade has great taste! This is genuine military wool—lightweight, warm, and windproof!”
It was a classic straight-cut double-breasted design, timeless even decades later.
Lu Weidong took the heavy, solid coat and held it out, motioning for Ye Wenxi to try it.
“I really don’t need—” she started.
“Try it,” he interrupted, tone firm, as if she wouldn’t turn around, he’d do it for her himself.
She could only turn reluctantly.
In the next second, he draped it over her shoulders, his arm looping around to guide her arms into the sleeves.
Other shoppers glanced over.
Two young girls nearby whispered, eyes shining as they watched him:
“My god, so tall and spirited.”
“He’s so considerate to his fiancée. That coat must’ve cost a lot of industrial coupons.”
“Look at how he helps her put it on… I wish my boyfriend were even half as thoughtful.”